Cynthia Brian (4th from left) with some of her teen writers. Photo provided

Budding teenage writers will have the chance to get up close and personal with Lamorinda Weekly columnist and teen writing coach Cynthia Brian in a special event from 7 to 8 p.m. April 30 at the Orinda Library. Brian, who has been active in coaching teens in the Lamorinda community for a number of years, works with young people to create this newspaper's "Teen Scene" column and produces "Express Yourself! Teen Radio." Some of the teens she currently works with will also be at the event.
"Being the teen coach for the Lamorinda Weekly for the past few years has been an extremely enriching and rewarding experience. It is an honor and a privilege to have the opportunity to give our young people a voice. We are blessed with so many talented teens with opinions and ideas," says Brian.
She is an author and editor of several books, including "The Business of Show Business" and "Be the Star You Are! For TEENS," a collection of 38 inspirational stories which she believes will help readers "learn how to cope with courage and face challenges with humor and self-confidence." Proceeds from the sale of the latter are being used to support her award-winning charity, Be the Star You Are! - a non-profit organization dedicated to "empowering women, families, and youth through improved literacy and positive media."
Teens considering careers as broadcast media professionals or interested in learning what it takes to work for community newspapers and other publications are encouraged to attend Brian's talk, as are young people just beginning their first forays into the world of writing. "As a gardener I nurture plants, as a coach I grow people. I look forward to meeting more teens who are interested in joining our Lamorinda Weekly star team," she says. Pre-registration is not required for this free program, which is being sponsored by the Friends of the Orinda Library. For more information, call the library: (925) 254-2184, extension 15.